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12-19-21 Sermon Notes “When Joy Is Our Song”
What is it about music that brings us such joy? Did you feel that this past Sunday when we had our Christmas Cantata presented by our Cancel Choir and Orchestra? I sure did! What about Sunday night, when the children sang? Angelic! How could you hear those kids sing Joy to the World and not smile?
One thing I noticed this past Sunday during the service was the congregation singing. You all really sang out on Hark the Herald Angels Sing! We rejoiced! What is it about joy that makes us want to sing out? Have you ever noticed Mary’s song of joy in Luke Chapter 1?
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Luke 1: 46-55 NRSV)

What made Mary so joyous that she couldn’t help but sing? It certainly wasn’t her “station” in life. Women in Mary’s day were not given much recognition. They were mostly overlooked, to be honest. Mary was also an unwed pregnant girl, who lived in a culture that would have not only looked down on that, but could have stoned her to death. How does she sing with all that going on? Maybe you have wondered how you could sing a song of joy this Christmas given your circumstances. And what’s the key to Christmas joy, anyway?

I think it starts with the first word of her song (Magnificat in Latin). “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Here’s something for us to reflect on this Advent: What are we “magnifying” in our lives right now? Our problems? Our own little corner of the world? What would happen if the Lord was the absolute focus of our attention?

See you Sunday,
Pastor Sam